Heat exchange apparatus



E. R. WOLFERT HEAT EXCHANGE APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l To con.

SE-E5 coNNEc'moM INVENTOR PARALLEL can:

NECTION J EDWARD .WQLQFERT- Jan. 9, 1940. E. R. WOLFERT HEAT EXCHANGE APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1937 3 Sheet-Sheet 2 SERIES cONN'EcTlON PARALLEL CONNECTION F'UQ; 8

INVENTOR R. Won. PERT.

IIYWITNESSES:

EDWARD ATTQRN Z Patented Jan- 9, 1940 I UNITED STATE HEAT EXCHANGE APPARATUS Edward R. Wolfert, Springfield,'Mass., assignor to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East'Pittsburgh, Pa., a

' of Pennsylvania corporation Application December 31, 1987 ,Serial No. 182,662

13 Claims. (01. 1s'z-111) My invention relates to heat exchange apparatus, more particularly to a manifold whereby either series or parallel flow through a plurality of passages of the heat exchanger may be provided, and it has an object to provide improved apparatus. I

A further object is to provide a standard form of apparatus adapted for difierent conditions of flow through the heat exchange apparatus.

The present invention is of particular utility in connection with a water cooled refrigerant condenser. When relatively cool city water is used, it is desirable to providea relatively long flow path thereof in order to take full advantage of the city water pressure and the'great temperature rise of the water, that is, to use high velocity of the water to obtain the best heat transfer rate. However, when a cooling tower, is used, large quantities of water must be circulated in order to use the cooling tower to best advantage. In such a case, a shorter flow path of greater flow area is desirable in order to reduce the pumping load.

In accordance'with my inventiomI provide a manifold having several chambers which are connected to the heat transfer passages and which are formed with openings adapted to be closed by a cover. The construction and arrangement is such, as hereinafter fully described, that the passages may be connected either in series orin parallel, this selection being effected primarily by merely changing the position of the cover on the manifold.

The above and other objects are efiected by my invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the body'of the manifold; l

Fig. 2 is a cross section thereof taken on the line II-II of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the cover;

Fig. 4 is a cross section thereof taken on the line IV--IV of Fig. 3; a

Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing the parts in angular relation to provide series connection;

Fig. 6"is a similar view showing the parts in angular relation for parallel connection;

Fig. 7 is an'exploded view of a modified form of manifold, the parts being arranged in angular relation for series connection;

Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the p artsin angular relation for parallel connection;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the manifo body of another modification; I

I shortcircuit fluid Figs. 10 and 11 are'cross-sectional views taken Y on the lines X-X and'XI- XI of Fig.9; 1

Fig. 12 is a front elevation of the cover for the manifold body of Fig. 9;

Figs. 13 and 14 arecro'ss-sectional views taken 5 PATENT oFFicE j 1 on the lines XIII-XIII and-XIV--XIV of Fig;

Fig. 15 is relation for series-connection; and a Y Fig. 16 is a similar view .showing the parts in angular relation for parallel connection. Referring first to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6, a manifold body lILwhich'is generally square in form,,is-formed with first, second,

third and fourth chambers ll, l2, l3. and I4. which open into the front faceor surface l5' of the manifold bodyQ As is clearly 'shown' on the drawings, the open faces of these chambers are;

asmuch as .the present invention relates merely, to structure for selectively connecting the coils I and 2' either'in series or in parallel, it'is not necessary to consider the coils themselves any further.

The manifold is provided-with a cover member l9, which is-squ'are in formand which is formed with two recesses 21 separated by a partition 20. Each of these recesses is arranged to register with two of the chambers, II to 14, in the body mem ber I0. The body member ID and the cover member 19 are formed with registering bolt openings 22' whereby they may be clamped together.

To provide for series connection, the cover member l9 is'positioned with the recesses 2| extending horizontally, that. is, with one recess registering with the open faces of the chambers ll and I2 and'with the other recesses registering" with the open faces of the chambers l3 and I4. For the series connection, suitable provision is made forshutting off communication between the chambers ll'and l2, which would otherwise be permitted by the upper recess 2| and which would directly from the inlet to the an explodedview of the manifold of} Figs. 9 to 14, the parts being arranged in angular 0 let chamber i2.

outlet. For this purpose I prefer to employ a plate 22, of the form shown in Fig. 5, which forms a wall between the upper recess 2i and the out- The plate 22 has an opening 23 which permits free communication between the chambers i3 and i4 and the lower recess 2i. An opening 24 may be formed in the plate 22, in order to equalize the pressures in the chamber i i and the upper recess 2i.

The cover member i9 is bolted to the body member iii with the plate 22 clamped therebetween. Fluid entering through the inlet I! 'may now flow through the chamber ii, the coil i, the chamber it, the lower recess 2 i, the chamber i4, the coil 2 and the chamber i2 to the outlet IS. The coils are, therefore, connected in series.

When it is desired to connect the coils in parallel, the cover member i9 is rotated 90 in either direction and bolted to the body member iii. The recesses 25 are now disposed vertically, one of the recesses providing communication between the chambers ii and is and the other providing communication between the chambers i2 and iii. The plate 22 is omitted.

Fluid may now now through the coils in parallel as follows: Theflow through the coil i extends from the inlet i'i through the chamber ii, the coil i, the chamber it, the right hand recess 2 I, the chamber IE to the outlet i8. The flow through the coil Zyextends from the inlet ii, the chamber i i, the left hand recess 2i, the chamber i 4, the coil 2,'the chamber i 2 and the outlet iii.

The cover member i8'is preferably provided with a slot 25, which indicates, when in horizontal position, that the manifold is arranged for series connection and which indicates, when in vertical position, that the manifold is arranged for parallel connection. A notch 26 may be provided in the plate 82 to indicate whether it is in proper position.

The embodiment shown in Figs. '7 and 8, while generally very similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 6, is particularly suited where it is desired to provide a common connection between the manifold and each of the coils 2i and 28, such common connection being indicated at 29. The body member 38 is again square in general outline and is formed with chambers Si, 32, 33 and 34. having open faces, arranged equiangularly and similarly about a center 35, as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, however, the diagonally opposite chambers 3i and 33 are provided with the inlet 36 and the outlet 31, respectively. The

chamber 32 is connected to'one end of each of the coils 2'! and 28 through the'connection 29. The opposite end of the coil 21 is connected to the chamber 34 and the opposite end of the coil 28 is connected to the chamber 33.

The cover member iila is similar to the cover member i9 except that the slot 25a extends transversely of the partition 26a for the reason that series connection is provided in this embodiment with the partition Zila andthe recesses Zia extending vertically. v

To provide for series connection, the cover I90. is angularly disposedas shown in Fig- 7 and a plate 22, similar to that shown in Fig. 5, is inserted therebetween in the position shown in Fig. '7. The cover i9a is bolted to the body member 30 with the plate 22 clamped therebetween. The manifold is now arranged for series connection. The left hand recess Zia in the cover member provides communication between the chambers 3i and 34 while the plate 22 cuts off communication between the chambers 32 and 33. The flow through the coils 27 and 28 is now as follows: From the inlet 33 through the chamber 3i, the left hand recess 2 ia, the chamber 35, the coil 21, the coil 28, and the chamber 33, to the outlet 3?. The fluid within the connection 29 remains in static condition.

To provide parallel connection of the coils 2i and 28, the plate 22 is discarded and the cover Illa isrotated to bring it to the angular position shown in Fig. 8. It is then bolted to the-body member (ill. The recesses Zia now extend horizontally, the upper recess connecting the chambers 3i and 32 and the lower recess connecting the chambers 33'and 34.

The flow of fluid through the two coils 2! and 28 extends in common from the inlet 365 through the chamber iii, the upper recess Zia, the chamber 32 and the connection 29. It then divides, one portion going through the coil 2?, the chamber 34 and the lower recess Zia to the chamber 33, while the other portion goes through the coil 23 directly to the chamber 33. In the latter, the two streams are again united and are discharged through the outlet 31.

While the plate 22 constitutes a simple and ex pedient means of cutting off flow through one of the recessesin the cover for series connection, it will be apparent that other suitable expedients may be used.

Suitable gaskets may be used between the seveither series or parallel connection of two passages may be provided by merely changing the angular position of the cover member, together with the provision of some means for shutting off flow through one of the recesses in the cover member for series connection.

A particular advantage of this construction is that the same apparatus may be supplied and carried in stool; for different types of installation. It is preferably supplied in condition for series connection. When it is desired to use it for parallel connection it is merely necessary to remove the plate 22 and to turn the cover through an angle of 90.

In Figs. 9 to 16, I show another embodiment which is also suitable where there is a common connection between the manifold and each of the coils, 4i and 42, such common connection. being indicated at 43. There is no plate required between the body member and the cover member, but there are two outlet openings for series and parallel connection, respectively. The body member 44 is formed with chambers 45. 46, 47 and 48, having open faces and arranged equiangularly and similarly about a center, as in the other embodiments. The chamber 45 has in let 49, and is in permenent communication with the chamber 48 through an opening 5!. The chamber 45 is provided with an outlet 52 used for series connection. and the chamber 4! is provided with an outlet 53 used for parallel connection.

common recess. It is preferably provided with chambers ineach of two positions of the cover,

a slot 60' which indicates, when disposed horizontally, that the cover member is arranged for series connection, and when arranged vertically that the cover member is arranged for parallel connection. the cover member 54 isangularly disposed as shown in Figs. 12 and 15. The outlet 53 of the chamber 41 is closed as by inserting a plugthere in and the conduitwhich is to receive :the discharged water is connected to the outlet 52 of the chamber 46. The flow of water through the coils ii and M is now as follows: From the inlet 49 to the chamber45, then to the chamber 48 through the opening 5| and also through the chambers and 58 and the opening 58 in the cover member 54, then through the coils H and 42 in series, and through the chamber 46. tothe outlet 52; The chambers 45 and 4'! are covered by therecesses 5i; and 5'! of the cover member, and there'is no flow through the common connection 43. i

To provide parallel connection of the coils 4i and 42, a plug is inserted in the outlet 52 to close the same, and the conduit for receiving the discharged water is connected to the outlet 53-: The

cover member Mis rotated "90 to the right to the position shown in Fig. 16; The chambers 45 and 45 are placed in communication through the recesses 55 and 5B and the opening 59 in the cover member.

Thewater flowing through the coils M and d2 enters through the inlet 49' anddivides in the chamber 45, one portion flowing through the openingEl, the chamber 48 and the coil M to the common connection 43,-.while the other portion flows. through the recesses 55 and 58 and the opening b9 to the chamber M3, then through the coil 42 to the commonconnection d3. From the latter the two streams flow in parallel through the chamber 41' to the outlet 53.

-While I have. shown my invention'in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes" and modifications with out departing from the spirit thereof; and I desire, therefore, that only, suchlimitationsshall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the prior art or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is: '1. A manifold for a heat exchanger having first and second fluid passages, said manifold having chambers communicating with the opposite ends of said passages, one chamber having 'ing said openings, said openings and cover means being constructed and arranged so that the cover means may be mounted in either one of two sitions and so as to connect said passages in se-} ries in one position of said cover means andto connect. the same in parallel in a posi-- tion ofsaid cover means.

2. In heat transfer. apparatus, the combina tion of first and second'fluid passages, a manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, one of said chambers having an inlet and another having an outlet, each of said fluid passages having its opposite ends connected to two of said chambers, a cover having two recesses each adapted to register with two adjacent- To provide for series connection,

, said outlet.

said cover being movable fromone position to the other by movement of 90 about said center, i v

and means for selectively cutting off communication between: the two chambers registering with one of said recesses in .the cover, said inlet, said outlet andthe connections between the fluid passages and the chambers being so arranged that, with the cover in one position and communication between said last-mentioned two chambers cut off; the fluid passages are 'connected in series between said inlet and said outlet and, with the cover in the other position and with said last-mentioned two chambers in communication, the fluid passages are connected in parallel between said inlet and said outlet.

3. In heat transier'apparatus, the combination of first and second fluid passages, a inanifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center,- one of said chambers having an inletand another having an outlet, each of said fluid pas-.

sages having its opposite ends connected to two of said chambers, a cover having two recesses each adapted to register with two adjacent chambers ineach of twopositio'ns of the cover, said cover being movable from one position to the. other 'byinovement of 90 about said center, and. a plate adapted to'be inserted between said manitold and said cover to cut off communication between two adjacent chambers of the manifold,

said inlet, said outlet and the connections be tween the fluid passages and the chambers being so arranged that, with the cover in one position and said plate inserted, the fluid passages are connected in series between said inlet and said outlet and, with the cover in the other position and the plate removed, the fluid passages are connect-edin parallel between said inlet and 4. A manifold for, heat transfer v apparatus having-first, andsec ond fluid passages, said mani fold comprising first, second, third fourth chambers having openings disposed equi-angularlyj and similarly about a center in the order named, said first and second chambers having inlet and outlet connections, respectively, said first and third chambers being connected to the opposite ends of said first fluid passageiand said second and fourth fluid passagesbeing connected to the opposite ends of said' second fluid passage, said chambers having openings arranged simila'rlyabout a center in the order named, a cover for said openings, said cover having two recesses each adapted to cover a pair of adjacent chamber. openings and to provide communica tion therebetween, and said cover being adapted to be rotated 90 so, that each recess covers a different pair of chamber openings.

, 5. A manifold for heat transfer apparatus having first and second'fiuid passages, said manifold comprising first, second, third and fourth chambershaving openings disposed equi-angularly and similarly about a center in the order named, said first and second chambers having inlet and cutlet connections, respectively, said first and third chambers being connectedto the opposite ends of said first fluid passage and said second and fourth fluid passages being connected to the opposite ends of said second fluid passage, a cover for said openings, said cover having; two recesses each,

adapted to cover a pair of adjacent chamber openings and to provide communication therebetween, and said cover being adapted tobe rotated 90 so that each recess covers a different'pairof of first and second fluid passages, a manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, two adjacent chambers having an inlet and an outlet,respectively, said first passage having its ends connected to diagonally opposite chambers and said second passage having its ends connected to the other diagonally opposite chambers, a cover having a chamber adapted, in one position of the cover, to register with the two adjacent chambers having the inlet and the outlet and a second chamber registering with the othertwo adjacent chambers in the manifold, a removable plate adapted to be inserted between said manifold and said cover to cut off communication between the chambers having the inlet and. the outlet, whereby said fluid passages are connected in series between said inlet and said outlet, said cover being adapted to be moved to a second position by rotation through 90 about said center and, with said plate removed, to provide connection of said fluid passages in parallel between said inlet and said outlet.

'7. In heat transfer apparatus, the combination of first and second fluid passages, a manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, two adjacent chambers having an inlet and outlet respectively, said first and second passages having their opposite ends connected to diagonally opposite chambers, a cover having two recesses each adapted to register with two adjacent chamber openings, and a removable plate adapted to shut off communication between the chambers having the inlet and the outlet when both register with the same chamber in the cover.

8. In a heat transfer unit, the combination of first and second fluid passages, a manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, diagonally opposite chambers having an inlet and an outlet respectively, said first fluid passage having its opposite ends connected to the other diagonally opposite chambers, said second fluid passage having its opposite ends connected to two adjacent chambers, 21. cover having two chambers each adapted to register with two adjacent cham bers in each of two positions of the cover, said cover being movable from one position to the other by movement of 96 about said center, and a removable plate adapted to shut off communication between the two adjacent chambers to which the ends of said second fluid passage are connected, whereby, with the cover in one position and the plate in place, said fluid passages are connected in series and, with the cover in the other position and the plate removed, said fluid passages are connected in parallel.

9. In heat transfer apparatus, the combination of first and second fluid passages, a manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, one of said chambers having an inlet and another having an outlet, each of said fluid passages having its ends connected to two of said chambers, a cover having two chambers each adapted to register with two adjacent chambers in each of two positions of the cover, said cover being movable from one position to the other by movement of 90 about said center, and a plate adapted to be inserted between said manifold and said cover to cut off communication between two adjacent chambers of the manifold, said inlet, said outlet and the connections between the fluid passages and the chambers being so arranged that, with the cover in one position and said plate inserted, the fluid passages are connectedin series between said inlet and said outlet and, with the cover in the other position and the plate removed, the fluid passages are connected in parallel between said inlet and said outlet.

10. A manifold for a heat exchanger or the like having first and second fluid passages, said manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center, each of said fluid passages having its opposite ends connected to two of said chambers, cover means for said openings including a cover having a recess adapted to register with two adjacent chambers in each-of two positions of the cover, said manifold and said cover means being so arranged that, in one position of the cover, said passages are connected in parallel and in a second position thereof, said passages are connected in series.

11. A manifold for a heat exchanger or the like having first and second fluid passages, said manifold having chambers communicating respectively with the several ends of said passages, each of said chambers having an opening, and a cover for all of said openings, said cover having a recess therein adapted to provide communication between two of said chambers, said manifold and cover being so arranged that, in one position thereof, said passages are arranged in parallel andin a second position thereof, said passages are arranged in series.

12. A manifold for a heat exchanger or the like having first and second fluid passages, said manifold having a chamber for each end of each of said passages, each chamber opening into an exterior face of said manifold, a cover for said manifold covering said openings and having a recess for selectively providing communication between two of said chambers to selectively provide series or parallel flow of fluid through said passages.

13. A manifold for a heat exchanger or the like having two fluid passages, said'manifold comprising four chambers having openings arranged equi-angularly and similarly about a center and at least three of said chambers having openings adapted to communicate with the ends of said fluid passages, a cover having two recesses each adapted to register with two adjacent chambers in each of two positions of the cover, said cover being movable from one position to the other by angular movement about said center, and means for selectively cutting off communication between the two chambers registering with one of said recesses in the cover in one position of the cover.

EDWARD R, WOLFERT. 

